Main Navigation

You are here:

Cochlear Implants and Meningitis

Topic Overview

Children who have
cochlear implants have a higher risk of getting bacterial meningitis.1 A cochlear implant is a device is implanted in the
inner ear to treat severe hearing loss that does not improve with hearing
aids.

Experts think one or more factors may put some
people with a cochlear implant at higher risk of meningitis than others with an
implant. These include people who have:

Investigators also are looking at whether the design of the
implants contributes to development of meningitis.

To reduce the
risk of getting meningitis, people with cochlear implants should get a pneumococcal vaccine (such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine(What is a PDF document?) or the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine(What is a PDF document?).1 Also, some people with
implants had ear infections before they developed meningitis. For this reason,
experts recommend that people with implants receive prompt antibiotic treatment
for ear infections.

Related Information

References

Citations

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2012). Use of vaccines to prevent meningitis in persons with cochlear implants. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/cochlear/dis-cochlear-gen.htm.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2012). Use of vaccines to prevent meningitis in persons with cochlear implants. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/cochlear/dis-cochlear-gen.htm.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.